CS 279
Computational Biology:
Structure and Organization of Biomolecules and Cells
(cross-listed as BIOMEDIN 279, BIOPHYS 279, and CME 279)
Fall 2015 (click here for this year's website)
Description:
This course will focus on computational techniques used to study the structure and dynamics of
biomolecules, cells, and everything in between. For example, what is the structure of proteins, DNA,
and RNA, and how do their motions contribute to their function? How are molecules distributed and
compartmentalized within a cell, and how do they move around? How might one modify the behavior
of these systems using drugs or other therapeutics? How can structural information contribute to the
design of drugs, proteins, or perhaps even cells?
Computation can contribute to addressing such questions in at least two distinct ways. First, one can
use computational analysis to extract information from experimental measurements, and to interpret
and combine the results of such experiments. Second, one can use physical principles to predict
structure or simulate motion.
The first part of the course will cover atomic-level molecular modeling methods for proteins and
other biomolecules, including structure determination and prediction, molecular dynamics simulation,
docking, and protein design. The second part will cover techniques for determining structures or
structural properties of macromolecular complexes – for example, through cryoelectron microscopy.
The third part will cover the cellular level of spatial organization, including computational analysis of
optical microscopy images and video, and simulations at the cellular scale. The course will cover both
foundational material and cutting-edge research in each of these areas.
Coursework: Students will be expected to complete three assignments, each of which will involve a combination of theoretical questions and computer work. Students will also be expected to complete a project. The project will involve about as much work as an assignment, but it will be more open-ended and will allow students to delve into a topic of their choosing in more depth.
Prerequisites: Elementary Programming Background (at the level of 106A), Introductory Course in Biology
Instructor: Ron Dror
TA: Quinlan Jung
Contact: Please use Piazza for questions related to lectures and assignments.Class: Tuesday - Thursday 3:00 PM - 4:20 PM, Econ 140 (Landau Economics Building)
Announcements: All announcements will be made on Piazza.
Materials: There is no required textbook. We will suggest a variety of optional reading material throughout the course.
Exam: There will be a final exam held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM in Herrin Hall (Biology), Room T175.